Chronically Living and how to make the most of it

Chronic illness can derail us and what we originally thought we were going to do with our lives. That leaves us with a choice - sit in existential anxiety or take it as an opportunity to figure out what to do with our lives now. It's not an easy decision or journey, but something we need to open ourselves to the possibility of.
In this episode we talk about:

• existential philosophy overview
• how Spoonies can have their life meanings derailed
• a phenomenological-existential perspective on chronic pain
• how we can start to look for new life meanings
• utilizing support systems
• practicing mindfulness

Follow me on Instagram @janeversuspain and on Twitter @janevspain

This week Tanya Walker tells us how an accident led to living with chronic pain. She shares how her own chronic pain journey took her down a path to helping others as a practitioners for emotional healing and certified pilates instructor with experience in rehabilitation and pain.
In this episode we talk about:

• the traumatic effects of chronic pain
• holistic approaches to healing
• the mind-body connection
• using tools such as breath work
• self-love and the will to keep going

Guest Bio:

Tanya Walker is a soulcoach and practitioner for emotional healing who has experienced and understands chronic physical and emotional pain. Her methodology of using the mental, physical & spiritual body is instrumental for any form of healing, growth or manifestation because they are the three pillars of wholeness and the foundation of our human experience.
Her mission is to navigate women on their journey to self-love, overcome emotional obstacles and assist in finding solutions that work because we are all unique beings with a light that is meant to shine. "The way you love yourself will dictate how others treat you, the choices you make and the opportunities in life so when love is part of growth, healing and teachings - everything happens faster and you manifest sooner!" - Tanya

My guest this week is Sarah Eni, a lupus warrior who shares her experiences living with lupus for the past 15 years, and what she has found to be helpful for her including diet changes, self-care, and cannabis.
In this episode we talk about:

• lupus
• kidney failure
• holistic approaches to health
• benefits of diet
• self-care strategies for mental health
• medicinal uses of cannabis and cannabis legalization

Guest Bio:

Sarah Eni is a lupus warrior of 15 years from London. She's tried a lot of medications, many remedies, and found various ways to live her life. "I am so grateful for our online community where we can share our experience." - Sarah.

Follow her on Instagram: @chia.jpg
Follow her on Twitter: @ChiaTwote and @SarahEniTwote

I think most people don't recognize how courageous people with a chronic illness are. To make so many daily decisions, including just getting up in the morning, can involve so much courage when you're ill.
In this episode we discuss:

• what courage is
• the relationship between courage, coping, and hope
• the theory of spirit of life/life courage
• most people get sick at some point!
• decisions that test our courage

This week we're talking about how stress and anxiety manifest in the body because it can take a toll on our physical and mental health. Naturopath Dr. Alex Triendl joins me to explain how this happens, what effects it causes, and how holistic medicine can be helpful.
In this episode we talk about:

• the 5 modalities of naturopathic medicine
• physical health problems that stress and anxiety create
• natural ways to treat these conditions
• how to take care of your mind and body at home

Guest Bio:

Dr. Triendl, ND, started her naturopathic career working alongside medical doctors in pain management and at a walk-in clinic. Treating a variety of conditions over the years, Alexandra discovered her passion for promoting the connection between the mind and body. Bringing a holistic lens to her patients in need of mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical alignment.
Dr. Triendl, ND, is a licensed member of The College of Naturopaths of Ontario and a member of The Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors as well as The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.

Follow her on Instagram: @dralexnaturopathto
Email: [email protected]

This week's episode is sponsored by Lynear Electronics. If you have fitness equipment that isn't working and you live in the U.S., visit LynearElectronics.com. Their motto is #REPAIRnotREPLACE!

My guest this week is registered massage therapist, Danielle Potvin, who takes us through the benefits of getting consistent massages (not necessarily frequent) for managing chronic pain and mental health.
In this episode we discuss:

• the benefits of touch
• different types of massages
• how massages help chronic pain
• how often we should be getting a massage
• what we can do to help our bodies when we can't go for a massage
• the importance of authenticity and life balance

Guest Bio:

Danielle Potvin, RMT, has been practicing massage therapy in Toronto for 9 years. She is passionate about many things, but mostly her dog. She can be found at Gesund, 614 Church St. 

Resilience and inner strength are so important when you're a chronic illness warrior, but it can also be difficult to find them with so much going on. Locating that strength within yourself can help with your health and mental health as you continue your battle.
In this episode we discuss:

• what is inner strength?
• how inner strength relates to chronic illness
• self-management skills for chronic illness
• mind-body connections as they relate to inner strength
• psychological health

Follow me on Instagram @janeversuspain 

This week I'm joined by chronic pain warrior, Renee, who shares her story of being diagnosed with endometriosis and the effect its had on her life.
In this episode we discuss:

• the diagnosis of endometriosis and its physical and emotional tolls
• medical gaslighting
• body positivity
• spoonie sexual health

Guest Bio (in her own words):

My name is Renee and I've been suffering with endometriosis since I was 16. I only found out when I was 19. I started my chronic illness page when I was 21, last December. I am in my third year of law school and I wish to become a barrister in the near future, possibly specializing in clinical negligence. I wish to grow my page and inspire others to reach their fullest potential while battling their horrible illness, and also to reassure them that it's okay to rest, it's okay to take breaks, and it's okay to put your health first.

Follow Renee on Instagram: @rayraydoesitt and @rayraywrites
Subscribe to her blog: https://campsite.bio/rayraydoesitt

This week we are diving into mental health in a much more personal way than we have before. My guest, Ryan Phillips, has dealt with complex post traumatic stress disorder for many years. He shares his story with us, which while inspirational, reminds us that we are all human and all have the power to do good in the world despite our own struggles.
In this episode we discuss:

• Hockey!
• the impacts of post-traumatic stress disorder
• run-ins with the law
• mental health advocacy

Guest Bio:

Ryan Phillips is a former professional hockey player, born and raised in Canada. He has become an outspoken mental health advocate and a humanitarian for other causes such as child sex trafficking. Ryan's story has been featured on National Geographic, and on many news outlets following his bike ride for mental health. Ryan has also spoken at TEDx events.
Follow Ryan on Instagram @ryanphillipswarrior

Find his podcast, All Over the Map, on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gu6M83v8dxA and Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26nUtZ3PQ0Gc9VlJQtAlof?si=Xm8adKQWTp6GxSQJjtqZ8w 

There have been a lot of complaints on social media recently about how things like diet and exercise can't cure chronic illness, and it's annoying that people say they can. However, I think we might be misinterpreting the messages. What these things can do is help treat symptoms.
In this episode we talk about:

• William Shakespeare
• What a cure means versus what treating symptoms means
• Trying out different alternatives to just Western medicine
• doing what you can to help yourself so you can make the most out of life

Don't forget, you can find me on Instagram @janeversuspain, on Twitter @janevspain, on Facebook janeversuspain, and my blog is janeversuspain.com. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions, reviews, and whatever else comes to mind!